A writer in theory only 😎

SNAP!

The taut string snapped with a scream-like sound, sending a burning pain through my cheek.

William: Haaah…..haaah….

I traced my finger along the cheek where the broken string had grazed me, crimson blood was weeping out.

At that moment, I made up my mind.

My resolve to live as a villain.

[Transitions To An Earlier Period of the Story]

William: What do you want to tell me?

It was my thirteenth birthday.

Ethan, the head butler of the Rex family, widened his eyes slightly at my question.

Ethan: Notice, did you?

William: Yes. You want me to know something.

William: Especially in the last few months, you seemed to be looking for the right timing to tell me.

Ethan: ….No one can hide their desires from you, Master William.

William: Is that a jab at me for urging that maid who wanted to elope the other day?

Ethan: No. It's a jab about how we invited a geopolitics professor to study, but somehow he turned into an adventurer.

William: That couldn't be helped. That's what he wanted.

Ethan: Honestly…….

Since childhood, I've been able to understand the hidden desires of others with remarkable clarity.

"I need money," "I like that man," "I want to know about the unexplored world"…

(When you expose their desires, everyone initially offers excuses and rationalisations.)

Social standing, consideration for loved ones, a moral compass to be good—these held them back.

That's not a bad thing. Not taking risks is a wise way to live.

Freedom is touted as a virtue, but a bottomless terror awaits.

(Whether happiness or unhappiness awaits…..)

(Because you can't blame anyone for the consequences of choices you make of your own free will.)

But occasionally, someone would appear who made a decision that defied common sense and acted accordingly.

As a result, some become poor and are abandoned by their families. But….

(Who can deny a way of life that they themselves don't call unhappiness?)

William: The moment you decide to be free from constraints and act as your own master, that's when you shine the brightest.

William: I want to see as many of those radiances as possible.

Ethan: Yes. I am aware of that….But that’s precisely why…

Ethan: The truth I'm about to show you will surely cause you pain.

William: ….Still, you strongly desire me to know.

William: Tell me, Ethan. The truth.

In the dimly lit library, where only the head butler is allowed to enter, Ethan handed me a bundle of old letters and ledgers.

William: What’s this….?

Ethan: This is evidence of wrongdoing that I have uncovered as the head butler of the Rex family. Specifically, evidence of wrongdoing by your father, Lord Edward.

(Wrongdoing….)

The letters and ledgers were encrypted, but Ethan had already devised a way to decrypt them.

(Political usage of diacetylmorphine….creating a secret manufacturing facility?)

(Records of the trafficking of the bodies of orphans who died from poisoning after exposure to the deadly drug... These are victims who were drugged.)

(Bribery, money laundering... Perverse verdicts. And so on….)

These records were overflowing with malice that made one sick to their stomach the more they deciphered them.

Ethan: These are merely crumbs of the wrongdoings of the organisation run by members of the House of Lords,

The Golden Butterfly.

Ethan: Your father is a pipeline within that organisation, allowing these barbaric acts to spread.

William: I always thought….my father was a philanthropist.

Ethan: His charity work was merely a cover for these activities.

Ethan looked into my eyes with concern.

Ethan: Are you all right….?

William: What do you mean?

Ethan: It's bound to be somewhat shocking to be told that your father is truly a bad person.

Ethan: That's why I was hesitating whether to tell you.

William: Thank you, I’m fine.

Although I was shaken, I forced a smile.

Ethan: You don't have to force a smile.

Ethan cares about me more than anyone else. He always sees right through me.

Even so, I couldn't allow myself to rely on him.

(If I ask for too much, I'll probably... use this power to take away his freedom and make him suffer again.)

I can make people move as I please just by giving orders.

To me, using this innate power was the ultimate evil.

William: First, let's verify the facts. The Golden Butterfly, the drugs, and the illegal facility. I need to see its existence with my own eyes.

After the investigation, it was six months later that I was able to infiltrate the facility.

[Transitions to the Almshouse]

Boy with Bloodshot Eyes: Let go! Gimme some too!!

Boy Rolling on the Ground: Ugh, haah…it hurts, hurts, hurts, hurts….

Facility Staff: Shut up and die already! This is the grave where your bones will rot anyway!

What we witnessed after secretly slipping out of the annex and sneaking into the almshouse was a pungent stench of decay, and a gruesome scene of exploitation.

(How is this…allowed?)

(They haven’t done anything wrong.)

They were simply have-nots.

And for that alone, their freedom was taken away. They were whipped, enslaved to drugs….and then discarded like mere refuse.

All so that those who were haves, could pursue greater wealth and power.

(This…)

(My father…)

Before I could feel anger, I felt nauseous with disgust.

William: Ethan, I'm sorry. I'm stepping outside for a bit…..

Ethan: I can’t leave you alone. I’ll—

William: It's okay. I'll be right back.

I stepped out into the deserted corridor, and that's when it happened.

(...I can hear music...)

It was a bright hum, like a ray of light shining into the darkness where evil reigns.

Drawn by the voice, so out of place in a place like the bottom of hell, I followed it.

And there, a scrawny boy was huddled, hugging his knees and singing, his arms bearing the raw scars of whip lashes.

William: Whose song is that?

Boy: Mine. I have more sounds in my head...But I only have one mouth, so I can't express them.

His eyes were vacant, but the heat of desire he couldn't hide seeped into his subdued voice.

I want to express all the sounds in my head, he means.

William: What’s your name?

Colin: Colin.

William: Do you like music, Colin?

Colin: I don't know. It's just...melodies overflow in my head, and I can't help but sing.

My words sometimes betray my heart that cherishes freedom, and in turn, rob’s someone of their freedom.

That's why, instead of being careful with my words, I loved music, which I could pour out without taking away anyone's freedom.

William: Colin...won't you leave here?

Colin: Leave here…?

William: There's an instrument that can play all the sounds in your head.

It wasn't a sense of duty to set him free, nor a sense of justice to save him from evil...

(I want to hear it. The music he plays freely.)

It was a childish, trivial selfishness.

[Transitions to the Music Room - Annex]

At first, Colin hesitated before the piano.

But after a few days, he sat down at the piano stool as if he had made up his mind—and from then on, he continued to play music like a gushing spring.

Colin: Wow! Is this sheet music? Is this the song I played the other day?!

William: That’s right. These notes correspond to piano notes, so anyone can play the same song.

Colin: So, even songs that require four arms to play can be played by two people?!

William: Yes... I think it's possible to play them by ear.

Colin: Then... then!

William: Hmm?

Colin: If I make sheet music, will you help me play it...?!

The empty days he'd seen in that hellish place were gone.

Colin's eyes were sparkling brightly.

William: …Of course, I’d be delighted.

When he sat at the piano, he was definitely his own master.

I was proud that I had brought him to this place.

[Transitions to the Corridor]

William: Ethan.

Ethan: Yes, Master William?

William: Thank you, for revealing the truth to me.

William: I've made up my mind.

(If the life of someone who shines so beautifully is turned into a hideous death...)

William: I will stop the evil deeds of the Golden Butterfly.

(Though I don't know how yet.)

But that’s what my heart is calling for, what I believe is the right thing for me to do.

[Past Records Master List] [Episode II]

Don’t even get me started on what this sweet little kitten went through! Lookit his anxious posture, even while smiling shyly (and squeezing his right thumb for comfort, the poor baby!):

How Liam didn’t end up with a Sandor Clegane-level fear of fire from his asshole father constantly burning him with a hot poker is beyond me!

I’m not ready for this:

They only look truly happy when they’re able to tap into their interests— the piano for William and the theater for Liam:

*I was thinking about this awhile ago, but I think IkeVil is the only Cybird game where two characters (William and Liam) technically have different versions of the same name 🤔

Time and again, I imagined that moment, repeating to myself, "It's too soon for that.”

So….What about now?

[Transitions to Ballroom]

Kate: Will!

Snapped back to reality by the voice calling my name, I saw Kate in my arms, wearing a slightly disgruntled expression.

Kate: What’s wrong? You looked so troubled.

William: I was simply wrestling with a few vexing thoughts about you.

Kate: About me?

I offered only a smile in response to the look on her face that clearly said I want to know, then lifted her by the waist and twirled her around.

Kate: Kyah…pfft… Goodness, Will.

Glancing around, I could feel the curious gazes of the crowd clinging to us.

The throng gathered at the charity ball for the Royal Hospital was not only fascinated by the Earl who briefly made headlines for the murder of Marquis Avarus, and the Tower of London incident.

But also Kate, who was laughing and dancing in his arms.

(Kate is officially known as my partner.)

The lover of the Self-Righteous Monarch, who had sworn to give her life to save mine from a fate of ruin.

Today too, she smiles gleefully at the edge of the abyss.

As for me, who was supposed to meet his destruction without ever forming a loving bond with anyone, I’m reminded of something everyday—

Of the beauty and the terror of the joy of loving one another, which grows with every passing moment.

After the dance ended, something occurred during the buffet party.

Postmaster: Kate…..Is that you?

Kate: …Postmaster? Will, this is postmaster Everly, my former boss.

Everly: M-my apologies, Earl Rex. Please forgive my rudeness in suddenly addressing your partner.

William: Think nothing of it. It’s not as if I’m Kate’s owner.

Kate: It’s been a long time. How have you been?

Everly: Oh, haha...Well, I'm getting by, I suppose.

(Hm, something seems to be troubling him.)

Kate: …..Is something wrong?

Everly: Beg pardon?

Kate: Whenever you look away and stroke your beard like that, it means you’re in a bind. I'm happy to help in anyway I can.

Everly: Haah... Honestly, I sometimes resent Her Majesty for taking you away.

As he explained the situation, it turned out that torrential spring rains had caused landslides, delaying mail coaches from outlying areas.

Deliveries within London were piling up, and to make matters worse, a round of personnel transfers had caused a mass exodus of veteran staff.

Everly: If I could just get someone who knows London as well as you do to help out for even a single day...

Everly: But the sheer volume of work is.….Well, I'll just appreciate the sentiment. Please, forget I said anything.

(…I see.)

I glanced at Kate’s profile. The look of determination I saw there was all the reason I needed to make up my mind.

William: If the volume of mail is the issue, what if I act as a letter carrier for you?

Kate: Come again?!

Everly: L-Lord Rex, I couldn’t possibly ask you to do something like that…!

William: Why not?

William: Delivering people’s feelings is an important work. There’s no need to be modest and call it ‘something like that.’

Kate: ….Will….Delivering the mail!?

Next to the Director, who was blinking in sheer astonishment, Kate’s eyes sparkled with delight.

(......Absolutely adorable.)

(If I get to see that face over and over while making deliveries, that’s reward enough for me.)

True to my desires, my mind had already begun to ponder how I could savor this golden opportunity that had come my way.

(This is an excellent chance. I want to see Kate’s old life with my own eyes too.)

[Transitions to the City of London]

Smiley Woman: Kate, dearest?! Long time, no see!

Smiley Woman: Hold it! Who’s that handsome chap next to you, huh?! Hey, everyone! Kate brought some dreamboat along!

Bellowing Man: She what?! Quick, hold him there. I’m gonna give him a good wallop to see if he’s got any grit!

William: Ahaha, you’re truly loved, aren’t you?

Kate: I’m so sooo sorry!

[Transitions to another Delivery]

Curly-haired Young Man: Miss Kate…?! Wa-Wait for a second….

Curly-haired Young Man: I’d been planning to give this to you if we ever met again.

William: Unfortunately, it seems that accepting gifts from specific clients violates company policy.

Curly-Haired Young Man: Huh? Who’s that?

Kate: My boyfriend! Well then, if you’ll excuse us!

[Transition to Alley]

Kate: That's a huge puddle.….The alley is completely submerged from end to end.

William: What did you used to do in situations like this?

Kate: Unfortunately, it's a dead end up ahead, and there's no way around it.

Kate: It’s a choice between taking a desperate leap, or simply getting my shoes soaked.

Kate: Basically, as long as the mail doesn’t get wet, that’s all that matters.

William: ....I think I understand why you don't break under a little adversity.

William: However, for today….

William: Let us go with a third option.

I shift the mailbag slung over my shoulder to the back and lift Kate up into my arms.

Kate: Will?

William: This way, neither the mail nor you shall get wet.

Kate: You have a point but….

William: In my case, I don’t need to leap. I can just step right over it.

Kate: A-Are you being mean?

William: Not at all? It's just a bit of sophistry to get my own way.

William: ...I just don't want my precious partner to have an unpleasant experience.

Kate: ……

Flustered and at a loss for words, Kate knit her brows in distress, flushing crimson to the tips of her ears.

(She’s so adorable.)

Watching that flustered look on her face has been a hobby of mine for a long time now.

I plant a quick kiss on her lips, and desire begins to seep into the depths of her glistening eyes.

Kate: ….We’re in the middle of a delivery, you know.

William: I am simply a temp acting out of goodwill. It wouldn't hurt to take a break.

As if to tempt her desires, I brought my lips close to hers once more, stopping just short of touching them.

Kate resigned herself to the moment, and wrapped her arms around my neck.

[Transitions To Another Delivery]

And then, just as we were about to deliver the final letter, an incident occurred.

Red-Faced Man: Get the hell outta here!

As soon as he cracked the door open and saw the envelope Kate was holding out, his face flushed vermillion with rage as he bellowed.

Blue-Eyed Woman: Stop it! That letter’s for me!

Red-Faced Man: What good is school for a girl! You’re taking over the family business!!

Blue-Eyed Woman: But I got accepted! So I need to apply for a scholarsh—

Red-Faced Man: SHUT UP!!

A slap across the cheek sent the woman crashing to the floor.

(Ah….)

(So this was your everyday life, back then.)

To deliver people's emotions, she would run all over town, sometimes getting her shoes soaked in muddy water.

In just this one day, I came to understand painfully well just how much she was loved for her work.

And now, I had learned something else, too.

Here is just a glimpse into those days when she was tormented by feelings of helplessness and guilt.

(I wonder what Kate will do now.)

Kate: Um, excuse me.

Her first words came out in a voice that was unexpectedly clear.

Kate: Are you saying you intend to prevent me from delivering this letter to your daughter?

Red-Faced Man: ….Can’t you bloody hear, lady? That’s exactly what I’m sayin’!

Kate: In that case, you would be obstructing the delivery of mail not addressed to yourself.

Kate: That constitutes a criminal offense in violation of the Postal Act.

Red-Faced Man: Hah…?

William: ……..

Kate stared straight at the man.

Deep within her eyes burned a quiet anger and a steely resolve.

Kate: Should I call for the Yard?

Red-Faced Man: T-The bobbies….?!

William: …Pff- Ahaha!

William: I tell you what, I’ll go call for one myself. I'm pretty certain there's a constable on patrol just down the street.

Red-Faced Man: Wait!! Damn it... Hey, don't think I'm letting you off the hook!!

Blue-Eyed Woman: ……[Sniffles]

Kate: Here you go….the letter for you.

The woman, who seemed to have been shoved by her father and tumbled out onto the porch, clutched the envelope to her chest, her eyes brimming with tears.

[Transitions to Tree-Lined Path]

Kate: It’s a good thing we managed to deliver everything in the end.

William: I doubt there are many cases where the handling of mail within a household results in a conviction for violating the Postal Act, though?

Kate: True, buuuut ordinary citizens aren't well-versed in the Postal Law, or its case laws.

Kate: I was so furious…..so I turned that fact to my advantage.

Wearing a mischievous smile, Kate peered proudly into my face.

Kate: I’m perfectly suited for my Self-Righteous Monarch now, aren’t I?

(Indeed.)

William: Yes…Kate.

More today than yesterday; more tomorrow than today.

The love I feel for her is steadily growing within me.

(You, who have become so deeply steeped in this world of darkness….in these days of loving and being loved by me...)

(You are so incredibly precious to me... it’s enough to drive me mad.)

The more we love each other, the more fitting Kate will surely become as the tragic catalyst—my beloved partner—who will bring about the destruction of this Self-Righteous Monarch.

William: As expected of my little robin.

Kate: Hehe, I'm honored by your praise.

Kate giggled happily.

It was as warm as the sunlight filtering through the leaves of the trees.

And I found myself closing my eyes.

I had imagined it countless times.

That moment when her voice, her will, and her life would forever be extinguished.

The immense agony that would overwhelm my heart.

And each time I told myself repeatedly:

It's too soon to despair while embracing her corpse.

(So…what about now?)

(Have I loved you enough to agonise over your loss…?)

Kate: Will!

As I lifted my eyelids at the sound of a voice calling me, sunlight still dappled through the trees.

Kate: We should be heading back soon, or Victor will start to worry.

William: You’re right….

William: Let’s return to where we belong.

The words repeated in my heart will turn into a prayer before long.

Let the final double bar line still be far off.

[Sequel Master List] [Chapter I]